Kathmandu: The newly appointed Minister for Health and Population, Dr Sudha Sharma, assumed office on Sunday and immediately decided to provide psychological counseling to those injured during the Gen Z protest. This marks her first decision in the role.
According to National News Agency Nepal, while speaking to media persons upon assuming office, Minister Dr Sharma vowed to ensure transparency in the procurement of medical goods, including equipment, and to put an end to corruption. “Gen Z’s protest was for good governance and an end to corruption. So, I wish I won’t hear any complaints of corruption,” she reiterated.
She emphasized that the present government prioritizes issues related to mental health. Dr Sharma shared her plan to discuss with the Finance Ministry to secure a budget so that free health insurance could be provided to the families of those who were martyred during the protest. She stated that the present government is a citizen government, where only performance counts for evaluation.
Additionally, Dr Sharma addressed the ongoing issues faced by agitating nurses over payment rates, indicating that these would be resolved through dialogue. Having previously served as the Health Secretary, Dr Sharma is a specialist in gynecology and obstetrics and is recognized as a public health expert.